Rig Veda on Joy

2 The gladdening juices stand prepared before you: come quickly and partake of mine oblation. 3 Your chariot with a hundred aids, O Asvins, beareth you swift as thought across the regions, 4 What time this stone of yours, the Gods' adorer, upraised, sounds forth for you as Soma−presser, 5 The nourishment ye have is, truly, wondrous: ye gave thereof a quickening store to Atri, 6 That gift, which all may gain, ye gave Cyavana, when he grew old, who offered you oblations, 7 What time his wicked friends abandoned Bhujyu, O Asvins, in the middle of the ocean, 8 Ye lent your aid to Vrka when exhausted, and listened when invoked to Sayu's calling. 9 With his fair hymns this singer, too, extols you, waking with glad thoughts at the break of morning.

2 Waxing greatness Indra slayeth Vrtra: the Hero with his aid hath helped the singer. He gave S 4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, O Indra, even both the worlds with might, O thou Most Mighty. 5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly. 6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God's terrific spirit. 7 Whene'er the elder fain would help the younger the greater cometh to the lesser's present. 8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, thy friends, O Thunder−wielder. 9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us.

2 Crush with thy foot the niggard churls who bring no gifts. Mighty art thou 3 Thou art the Lord of Soma pressed, Soma impressed is also thine. 4 Come, go thou forth, dwelling in heaven and listening to the prayers of men: 5 Even that hill with rocky heights, with hundreds, thousands, held within. 6 We call on thee both night and day to taste the flowing Soma juice: 7 Where is that ever−youthful Steer, strong. necked and never yet bent down? 8 To whose libation doth the Steer, betake him with delight therein? 9 Whom, Vrtra−slayer, have thy gift and hero powers accompanied? 10 For thee among mankind, among the Purus is this Soma shed. 11 This, growing by Soma and by Saryanavan, dear to thee, 12 Hasten thou hitherward, and drink this for munificence to−day,

2 These men have come to Indra for assistance: shall he not quickly come upon these pathways? 3 He who hath only wish as his possession casts on himself, casts foam amid the waters. 4 This hath his kinship checked who lives beside us: with ancient streams forth speeds and rules the Hero, 5 Soon as this Dasyu's traces were discovered, as she who knows her home, he sought the dwelling. 6 Indra, as such, give us a share of sunlight, of waters, sinlessness, and reputation. 7 Now we, I think, in thee as such have trusted: lead us on, Mighty One, to ample riches. 8 Slay us not, Indra; do not thou forsake us: steal not away the joys which we delight in. 9 Come to us; they have called thee Soma−lover: here is the pressed juice. Drink thereof for rapture.

2 Hither is come the Rbhus' gift of riches; here was the drinking of the well−pressed Soma, 3 Ye made fourfold the chalice that wag single: ye spake these words and said, O Friend, assist us; 4 Out of what substance was that chalice fashioned which ye made fourfold by your art and wisdom? 5 Ye with your cunning made your Parents youthful; the cup, for Gods to drink, ye formed with cunning; 6 Whoso pours out for you, when days are closing, the sharp libation for your joy, O Vajas, 7 Lord of Bay Steeds, at dawn thejuice thou drankest: thine, only thine, is the noonday libation. 8 Ye, whom your artist skill hath raised to Godhead have set you down above in heaven like falcons. 9 The third libation, that bestoweth treasure, which ye have won by skill, ye dexterous−handed,−

2 Thy well−winged flashes strengthen in their manner, when the black Bull hath bellowed round about us. 3 When he comes streaming with the milk of worship, conducting by directest paths of Order 4 O Agni, thou who art the lord of wealth in kine, thou Son of Strength, 5 He, Agni, kindled, good and wise, must be exalted in our song: 6 O Agni, shining of thyself by night and when the morning breaks, 7 Adorable in all our rites, favour us, Agni, with thine.aid, 8 Bring to us ever−conquering wealth, wealth, Agni, worthy of our choice, 9 Give us, O Agni, through thy grace wealth that supporteth all our life, 10 O Gotama, desiring bliss present thy songs composed with care 11 May the man fall, O Agni, who near or afar assaileth us: 12 Keen and swift Agni, thousand−eyed, chaseth the Raksasas afar:

2 Gandharvi spake: may she, the Lady of the flood, amid the river's roaring leave my heart untouched. 3 Yea, even this blessed Morning, rich in store of food, splendid, with heavenly lustre, hath shone out for 4 And the fleet Falcon brought for sacrifice from afar this flowing Drop most excellent and keen of sight, 5 Still art thou kind to him who feeds thee as with grass, and, skilled in sacrifice, offers thee holy gifts. 6 Urge thou thy Parents, as a lover ' to delight: the Lovely One desires and craves it from his heart. 7 Far−famed is he, the mortal man, O Agni, thou Son of Strength, who hath obtained thy favour. 8 When, Holy Agni, the divine assembly, the sacred synod mid the Gods, is gathered, 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your common dwelling: harness thy rapid car of Amrta.

2 Ye Sapient Ones who made the lightly−rolling car out of your mind, by thought, the car that never errs, 3 O Vajas, Rbhus, reaching far, among the Gods this was your exaltation gloriously declared, 4 The chalice that wag single ye have made fourfold, and by your wisdom brought the Cow forth from the 5 Wealth from the Rbhus is most glorious in renown, that which the Heroes, famed for vigour, have 6 Strong is the steed, the man a sage in eloquence, the bowman is a hero hard to beat in fight, 7 To you hath been assigned the fairest ornament, the hymn of praise: Vajas and Rbhus, joy therein; 8 According to the wishes of our hearts may ye, who have full knowledge of all the delights of men, 9 Bestowing on us here riches and offspring, here fashion fame for us befitting heroes.

2 Fair, Agni, is thy long−known path to travel: yoke for the juice tfiy bay, thy ruddy horses, 3 They glorify your sacrifice with worship, yet the glad Priest near them is left unequalled. 4 What time the Guest hath made himself apparent, at ease reclining in the rich man's dwelling, 5 Accept this sacrifice of ours, O Agni; glorify it with Indra and the Maruts. 6 Thus hath Vasistha praised victorious Agni, yearning for wealth that giveth all subsistence. 2 Let sacrifice proceed like some fleet courser: with one accord lift ye on high the ladles. 3 Like babes in arms reposing on their mother, let the Gods sit upon the grass's summit. 4 Gladly the Gods have let themselves be honoured, milking the copious streams of holy Order. 5 So, Agni, send us wealth among the people: may we be closely knit to thee, O Victor,

2 If in the effluence of heaven, rich in its light, thou takest joy, 3 With songs I call thee, Great and Wide, even as a cow to profit us, 4 Hither, O Indra, let thy Bays bear up and, bring upon thy car 5 Thou, Indra, wouldst be sung and praised as great, strong, lordly in thy deeds 6 We who have shed the Soma and prepared the feast are calling thee. 7 As, Indra, thou art evermore the common Lord of all alike, 8 The men with stones have milked for thee this nectar of the Soma juice: 9 Neglect all pious men with skill in sacred song: come hitherward, 10 Gods, may the mighty rest unharmed, the King who gives me spotted kine, 11 Beside a thousand spotted kine I have received a gift of gold, 12 Durgaha's grandsons, giving me a thousand kine, munificent,

2 Or when on that decisive day thou holpest the presser of the juice at Vrtra's slaughter; 3 Let Indra drink the pressed−out Soma, Helper and mighty Guide of him who sings his praises. 4 E'en humble rites with his Bay steeds he visits: he wields the bolt, drinks Soma, gives us cattle. 5 What he hath longed for we have brought to Indra, who from the days of old hath done us service. 6 Thou hast made prayer the means of thine exalting, therefore we wait on thee with hymns, O Indra. 7 Mark well our sacrificial cake, delighted Indra, drink Soma and the milk commingled. 8 O Mighty One, be joyful as thou willest. Let these our sacrifices reach and find thee; 9 Friends, when thejuices flow, replenish duly your own, your bounteous Indra with the Soma. 10 While Soma flowed, thus Indra hath been lauded, Ruler of nobles, mid the Bharadvajas,

2 Through your kind favour, Gods, on some auspicious day, the worshipper subdues his foes. 3 Vasistha will not overlook the lowliest one among you all. 4 Your succour in the battle injures not the man to whom ye, Heroes, grant your gifts. 5 Come hitherward to drink the juice, O ye whose bounties give you joy. 6 Sit on our sacred grass, be graciously inclined to give the wealth for which we long, 7 Decking the beauty of their forms in secret the Swans with purple backs have flown down hither. 8 Maruts, the man whose wrath is hard to master, he who would slay us ere we think, O Vasus, 9 O Maruts, ye consuming Gods, enjoy this offering brought for you, 10 Sharers of household sacrifice, come, Maruts, stay not far away, 11 Here, Self−strong Maruts, yea, even here. ye Sages with your sunbright skins 12 Tryambaka we worship, sweet augmenter of prosperity.

2 Whose lofty might−for doubly strong is he−supports the heavens and earth, 3 Such, Praised by many! thou art King alone thou smitest Vrtras dead, 4 We sing this strong and wild delight of thine which conquers in the fray, 5 Wherewith thou also foundest lights for Ayu and for Manu's sake: 6 This day too singers of the hymn praise, as of old, this might of thine: 7 That lofty Indra−power of thine, thy strength and thine intelligence, 8 O Indra, Heaven and Earth augment thy manly power and thy renown; 9 Visnu the lofty ruling Power, Varuna, Mitra sing thy praise: 10 O Indra, thou wast born the Lord of men, most liberal of thy gifts: 11 Ever, alone, O highly−praised, thou sendest Vrtras to their rest: 12 Though here and there, in varied hymns, Indra, men call on thee for aid, 13 Already have all forms of him entered our spacious dwelling−place:

1 THE chanters hymn thee, they who say the word of praise magnify thee. 2 As up he clomb from ridge to ridge and looked upon the toilsome task, 3 Harness thy pair of strong bay steeds, long−maned, whose bodies fill the girths, 4 Come hither, answer thou the song, sing in approval, cry aloud. 5 To Indra must a laud be said, to strengthen him who freely gives, 6 Him, him we seek for friendship, him for riches and heroic might. 7 Easy to turn and drive away, Indra, is spoil bestowed by thee. 8 The heaven and earth contain thee not, together, in thy wrathful mood. 9 Hear, thou whose ear is quick, my call; take to thee readily my songs 10 We know thee mightiest of all, in battles hearer of our cry. 11 O Indra, Son of Kusika, drink our libation with delight. 12 Lover of song, may these our songs on every side encompass thee:

2 Thou, verily, Indra, gavest help to Kutsa, willingly giving car to him in battle, 3 O Bold One, thou with all thine aids hast boldly holpen Sudas whose offerings were accepted, 4 At the Gods' banquet, hero−souled! with Heroes, Lord of Bay Steeds, thou slewest many foemen. 5 These were thy mighty powers that, Thunder−wielder, thou swiftly crushedst nine−and−ninety castles: 6 Old are the blessings, Indra, which thou gavest Sudas the worshipper who brought oblations. 7 Give us not up, Lord of Bay Horses, Victor, in this thine own assembly, to the wicked. 8 May we men, Maghavan, the friends thou lovest, near thee be joyful under thy protection. 9 Swiftly, in truth, O Maghavan, about thee men skilled in hymning sing their songs and praises. ' 10 Thine are these lauds, O manliest of heroes, lauds which revert to us and give us riches. 11 Now, lauded for thine aid, Heroic Indra, sped by our prayer, wax mighty in thy body.

2 The thought is deeply fixed; the savoury juice is shed; the tongue with joyous sound is stirring in the 3 He flows about the sheep−skin, longing for a bride: he looses Aditi's Daughters for the worshipper. 4 The Bull is bellowing; the Cows are coming nigh: the Goddesses approach the God's own resting−place. 5 The golden−hued, Immortal, newly bathed, puts on a brightly shining vesture that is never harmed. 6 Even as the beams of Surya, urging men to speed, that cheer and send to sleep, together rush they forth, 7 As down the steep slope of a river to the vale, drawn from the Steer the swift strong draughts have foun 8 Pour out upon us wealth in goods, in gold, in steeds, in cattle and in corn, and great heroic strength. 9 These Pavamanas here, these drops of Soma, to Indra have sped forth like cars to booty. 10 O Indu, flow thou on for lofty Indra, flow blameless, very gracious, foe−destroyer.

2 Bull, hurler of the four−edged rain−producer with both his arms, strong, mighty, most heroic; 3 God who of all the Gods was born divinest, endowed with ample strength and mighty powers, 4 Before the High God, at his birth, heaven trembled, earth, many floods and all the precipices. 5 These are thy great deeds, Indra, thine, the Mighty, deeds to be told aloud at all libations, 6 True are all these thy deeds, O Most Heroic. The Milch−kine issued from the streaming udder. 7 With joy, O Indra, Lord of Tawny Coursers, the Sisters then, these Goddesses, extolled thee, 8 Pressed is the gladdening stalk as 'twere a river: so let the rite, the toiler's power, attract thee 9 Ever by us perform thy most heroic, thine highest, best victorious deeds, O Victor. 10 Graciously listen to our prayer, O Indra, and strength of varied sort bestow thou on us. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let wealth swell hiah like rivers to the singer.

2 Effused, this juice victorious flows for Indra, for his maintenance. 3 May Indra in his raptures gain from him the grasp that gathers spoil, 4 Flow vigilant for Indra, thou Soma, yea, Indu, run thou on: 5 Do thou, all−beautiful, purify for Indra's sake the mighty juice, 6 Best finder of prosperity for us, most rich in sweets for Gods, 7 O Indu, with thy streams, in might, flow for the banquet of the Gods: 8 Thy drops that swim in water have exalted Indra to delight: 9 Stream opulence to us, ye drops of Soma, pressed and purified, 10 Soma, while filtered, with his wave flows through the long wool of the sheep, 11 With songs they send the Mighty forth, sporting in wood, above the fleece: 12 Into the jars hath he been loosed, like an impetuous steed for war, 13 Gold−hued and lovely in his course, througb tangles of the wool he flows, 14 Flow thus, a faithful votary: the streams of meath have been effused.

2 May he who goes before the Gods come hither with steeds whose shapes are varied, Narasarhsa. 3 Men with oblations laud most constant Agni, and pray him to perform an envoy's duty. 4 May the delight of Gods spread out transversely: may it be with us long in length and fragrant. 5 Touch ye the far−extending height of heaven or spring apart to suit the wide earth's measure. 6 Here in this shrine may Dawn and Night, the Daughters of Heaven, the skilful Goddesses, be seated. 7 Up stands the stone, high burns the fire enkindled: Aditi's lap contains the Friendly Natures 8 On our wide grass, Three Goddesses be seated: for you have we prepared and made it pleasant. 9 Since thou, God Tvastar, hast made beauty perfect, since hou hast been the Angirases' Companion, 10 Well−knowing, binding with thy cord, bring hither, Lord of the Wood, the Deities' assembly. 11 Agni, bring hither Varuna to help us, Indra from heaven, from air's mid−realm the Maruts.

2 Where, like men cleansing corn−flour in a cribble, the wise in spirit have created language, 3 With sacrifice the trace of Vak they foIlowed, and found her harbouring within the Rsis. 4 One man hath ne'er seen Vak, and yet he seeth: one man hath hearing but hath never heard her. 5 One man they call a laggard, dull in friendship: they never urge him on to deeds of valour. 6 No part in Vak hath he who hath abandoned his own dear friend who knows the truth of friendship. 7 Unequal in the quickness of their spirit are friends endowed alike with eyes and hearing. 8 When friendly Brahmans sacrifice together with mental impulse which the heart hath fashioned, 9 Those men who step not back and move not forward, nor Brahmans nor preparers of libations, 10 All friends are joyful in the friend who cometh in triumph, having conquered in assembly. 11 One plies his constant task reciting verses. one sings the holy psalm in Sakvari measures.

2 There with fiend's ways e'en Prsni was seated: with much laudation they exalted Indra. 3 High are thy feet when on thy way thou goest: the strength thou foundest here hath lent thee vigour. 4 Speeding at once to sacrifice thou comest for friendship thou art bringing both Nasatyas. 5 Glad, for the race that rests on holy Order, with friends who hasten to their goal, hath Indra 6 Two of like name for him didst thou demolish, as Indra striking down the car of Usas. 7 War−loving Namuci thou smotest, robbing the Dasa of his magic for the Rsi. 8 These names of thine thou hast fulfilled completely: as Lord, thou boldest in thine arm, O Indra. 9 May the sweet Soma juices make him happy to cast his quoit that lies in depth of waters. 10 When others call him offspring of the Courser, my meaning is that Mighty Power produced him. 11 Like birds of beauteous wing the Priyamedhas, Rsis, imploring, have come nigh to Indra:

2 Even as it moveth near my hymn is lifted up, and all the regions come together to sing praise. 3 When striving man with man for glory they have met, brisk, measurcIess, eager for victory in fight, 4 Ye came to Bhujyu while he struggled in the flood, with flying birds, self−yoked, ye bore him to his sire 5 Asvins, the car which you had yoked for glorious show your own two voices urged directed to its goal. 6 Rebha ye saved from tyranny; for Atri's sake ye quenched with cold the fiery pit that compassed him. 7 Doers of marvels, skilful workers, ye restored Vandana, like a car, worn out with length of days. 8 Ye went to him who mourned in a far distant place, him who was left forlorn by treachery of his sire. 9 To you in praise of sweetness sang the honey−bee: Ausija calleth you in Soma's rapturous joy. 10 A horse did ye provide for Pedu, excellent, white, O ye Asvins, conqueror of combatants,

2 I should be fain, O Lord of Power, to strengthen and enrich the sage, 3 To worshippers who press the juice thy goodness, Indra, is a cow 4 None is there, Indra, God or man, to hinder thy munificence, 5 The sacrifice made Indra strong when he unrolled the earth, and made 6 Thine aid we claim, O Indra, thine who after thou hast waxen great 7 In Soma's ecstasy Indra spread the firmament and realms of light, 8 Showing the hidden he drave forth the cows for the Angirases, 9 By Indra were the lumirious realms of heaven established and secured, 10 Indra, thy laud moves quickly like a joyous wave of water−floods: 11 For thou, O Indra, art the God whom hymns and praises magnify: 12 Let the two long−maned Bay Steeds bring Indra to drink the Soma juice, 13 With waters' foam thou torest off, Indra, the head of Namuci, 14 The Dasyus, when they fain would climb 15 As Soma−drinker conquering all, thou scatteredst to every side

2 What time the Rbus had with care and marvels done proper service to assist their Parents, 3 May they who made their Parents, who were lying like posts that moulder, young again for ever,− 4 As for a year the Rbhus kept the Milch−cow, throughout a year fashioned and formed her body, 5 Two beakers let us make,− thus said the eldest. Lct us make three,− this was the younger's sentence. 6 The men spake truth and even so they acted: this Godlike way of theirs the Rbhus followed. 7 When for twelve days the Rbhus joyed reposing as guests of him who never may be hidden, 8 May they who formed the swift car, bearing Heroes, and the Cow omniform and all−impelling, 9 So in their work the Gods had satisfaction, pondering it with thought and mental insight. 10 They whol made glad with sacrifice and praises, wrought the two Bays, his docile Steeds, for Indra,− 11 This day have they set gladdening drink before you. Not without toil are Gods inclined to friendship.

2 Drink of the juice which men have washed in waters, and fill thee full, O Lord of Tawny Horses. 3 To make thee start, a strong true draught I offer to thee, the Bull, O thou whom Bay Steeds carry. 4 O Mighty Indra, through thine aid, thy prowess, obtaining life, zealous, and skilled in Order, 5 Through thy directions, Lord of Tawny Coursers, thine who art firm, splendid, and blest, the people 6 Lord of the Bays, come with thy two Bay Horses, come to our prayers, to drink the juice of Soma. 7 Him of a thousand powers, subduing foemen, Maghavan praised with hymns and pleased with Soma,− 8 The way to bliss for Gods and man thou foundest, Indra, seven lovely floods, divine, untroubled, 9 Thou from the curse didst free the mighty Waters, and as their only God didst watch and guard them. 10 Heroic power and noble praise is Indra yea, the song worships him invoked of many. 11 Call we on Maghayan, auspicious Indra. best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

29 And lauds which strengthen thee for great bounty and valour, and exalt 30 And songs to thee who lovest song, and all those hymns addressed to thee− 31 Thus he, sole doer of great deeds whose hand holds thunder, gives us strength, 32 Vrtra he slays with his right hand, even Indra, great with mighty power, 33 He upon whom all men depend, all regions, all achievements, he 34 All this hath he accomplished, yea, Indra, most gloriously renowned, 35 Who drives his chariot seeking spoil, from afar, to him he loves: 36 The Sage who, winning spoil with steeds, slays Vrtra, Hero with the men, 37 O Priyamedhas, worship with collected mind this Indra whom 38 Ye Kanvas, sing the Mighty One, Lord of the Brave, who loves renown, 39 Strong Friend, who, with no trace of feet, restores the cattle to the men, 40 Shaped as a Ram, Stone−hurler I once thou camest hither to the son 41 Vibhindu, thou hast helped this man, giving him thousands four times ten, 42 And these twain pouring streams of milk, creative, daughters of delight,

1 URGE us not, Maghavan, to this distressful fight, for none may comprehend the limit of thy strength. 2 Sing hymns of praise to Sakra, Lord of power and might; laud thou and magnify Indra who hearcth thee 3 Sing forth to lofty Dyaus a strength−bestowing song, the Bold, whose resolute mind hath independent 4 The ridges of the lofty heaven thou madest shake; thou, daring, of thyself smotest through Sambara, 5 When with a roar that fills the woods, thou forcest down on wind's head the stores which 8usga kept 6 Thou helpest Narya, Turvasa, and Yadu, and Vayya's son Turviti, Satakratu! 7 A hero−lord is he, King of a mighty folk, who offers free oblations and promotes the Law, 8 His power is matchless, matchless is his wisdom; chief, through their work, be some who drink the Som 9 Therefore for thee are these abundant beakers Indra's drink, stone−pressed juices held in ladles. 10 There darkness stood, the vault that stayed the waters' flow: in Vrtra's hollow side the rain−cloud lay 11 So give us, Indra, bliss−increasing glory give us great sway and strength that conquers people.

2 The Seven Rivers bear his glory far and wide, and heaven and sky and earth display his comely form. 3 Maghavan, grant us that same car to bring us spoil, thy conquering car in which we joy in shock of fight 4 Encourage thou our side in every fight: may we, with thee for our ally, conquer the foeman's host. 5 For here in divers ways these men invoking thee, holder of treasures, sing hymns to win thine aid. 6 His arms win kine, his power is boundless in each act best, with a hundred helps waker of battle's din 7 Thy glory, Maghavan, exceeds a hundred yea, more than a hundred, than a thousand mid the folk, 8 Of thy great might there is a three counterpart, the three earths, Lord men and the three realms of light. 9 We invocate thee first among the Deities: thou hast become a mighty Conquer in fight. 10 Thou hast prevailed, and hast not kept the booty back, in trifling battles in those of great account. 11 May Indra evermore be our Protector, and unimperilled may we win the booty.

2 Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Agnis, with Consorts, sending boons, 3 These are our guardians in the west, and northward here, and in the south, 4 Even as the Gods desire so verily shall it be. None minisheth this power of theirs, 5 The Seven carry seven spears; seven are the splendours they possess, 2 Another, luminous, occupies the place of sacritice, Sage, among the Gods. 3 One brandishes in his hand an iron knife, firm, in his seat amid the Deities. 4 Another holds the thunderbolt, wherewith he slays the Vrtras, resting in his hand. 5 Another bears a pointed weapon: bright is he, and strong, with healing medicines. 6 Another, thief−like, watches well the ways, and knows the places where the treasures lie. 7 Another with his mighty stride hath made his three steps thither where the Gods rejoice. 8 Two with one Dame ride on with winged steeds, and journey forth like travellers on their way. 9 Two, highest, in the heavens have set their seat, worshipped with holy oil, imperial Kings. 10 Some, singing lauds, conceived the Sama−hymn, great hymn whereby they caused the Sun to shine.

2 Yea, mighty I esteem his Godlike nature: none hindereth what he hath once determined. 3 E'en now endures thine exploit of the Rivers, when, Indra, for their floods thou clavest passage. 4 This is the truth, none else is like thee, Indra, no God superior to thee, no mortal. Thou sle 2 Through fear of thee, O Indra, all the regions of earth, though naught may move them, shake and trembl 3 With Kutsa, Indra! thou didst conquer Susna, voracious, bane of crops, in fight for cattle. 4 Thou smotest to the ground the hundred castles, impregnable, of Sambara the Dasyu, 5 As such, true Hero, for great joy of battle mount thy terrific car, O Brave and Manly. 2 Amid the sages, with the Sun he brightened the Parents: glorified, he burst the mountain; 3 Famed for great deeds, with priests who kneel and laud him, he still hath conquered in the frays for cattl 4 Come with thy girthed mares, with abundant vigour and plenteous strength to him who sings thy praises 5 Indra with rush and might, sped by his Coursers, hath swiftly won the waters from the southward.

2 In thee, effused, O Soma, we rejoice ourselves for great supremacy in fight. 3 O Pavamana, thou didst generate the Sun, and spread the moisture out with power, 4 Thou didst produce him, Deathless God mid mortal men for maintenance of Law and lovely Amrta: 5 All round about hast thou with glory pierced for us as 'twere a never−failing well for men to drink, 6 Then, beautifully radiant, certain Heavenly Ones, have sung to him their kinship as they looked thereon, 7 Soma, the men of old whose grass was trimmed addressed the hymn to thee for mighty strength and for 8 They have drained forth from out the great depth of the sky the old primeval milk of heaven that claims 9 As long as thou, O Pavamana, art above this earth and heaven and all existence in thy might, 10 In the sheep's wool hath Soma Pavamana flowed, while they cleanse him, like a playful infant, 11 Holy and sweet, while purified, this Indu flows on, a wave of pleasant taste, to Indra,− 12 So flow thou on, subduing our assailants, chasing the demons hard to beencountered,

2 Loose in the wind the woman's robe was streaming what time she won a car−load worth a thousand. 3 O Indra, cast thy bolt among assailants who would slaughter us: 4 The bull in joy had drunk a lake of water. His shattering horn encountered an opponent. 5 They came anear the bull; they made him thunder, made him pour rain down ere the fight was ended. 6 In hope of victory that bull was harnessed: Kesi the driver urged him on with shouting. 7 Deftly for him he stretched the car−pole forward, guided the bull thereto and firmly yoked him. 8 Touched by the goad the shaggy beast went nobly, bound to the pole by the yoke's thong of leather. 9 Here look upon this mace, this bull's companion, now lying midway on the field of battle. 10 Far is the evil: who hath here beheld it? Hither they bring the bull whom they are yoking.. 11 Like one forsaken, she hath found a husband, and teemed as if her breast were full and flowing. 12 Thou, Indra, art the mark whereon the eyes of all life rest, when thou,

2 Him who with might of both his arms brake nine−and−ninety castles down, 3 This Indra is our gracious Friend. He sends us in a full broad stream 4 Whatever, Vrtra−slayer! thou, Surya, hast risen upon to−day, 5 When, Mighty One, Lord of the brave, thou thinkest thus, I shall not die, 6 Thou, Indra, goest unto all Soma libations shed for thee, 7 We make this Indra very strong to strike the mighty Vrtra dead: 8 Indra was made for giving, set, most mighty, o'er the joyous draught. 9 By song as 'twere, the powerful bolt which none may parry was prepared 10 Indra, Song−lover, lauded, make even in the wilds fair ways for us, 11 Thou whose commandment and behest of sovran sway none disregards, 12 And both these Goddesses, Earth, Heaven, Lord of the beauteous helm! revere 13 Thou in the black cows and the red and in the cows with spotted skin 14 When in their terror all the Gods shrank from the Dragon's furious might, 15 Then he was my Defender, then, Invincible, whose foe is not, 16 Him your best Vrtra−slayer, him the famous Champion of mankind 17 To come, Much−lauded!

1 SING forth, O Kanvas, to your band of Maruts unassailable, 2 They who, self−luminous, were born together, with the spotted deer, 3 One hears, as though 'twere close at hand, the cracking of the whips they hold 4 Now sing ye forth the God−given hymn to your exultant Marut host, 5 Praise ye the Bull among the cows; for 'tis the Maruts' sportive band: 6 Who is your mightiest, Heroes, when, O shakers of the earth and heaven, 7 At your approach man holds him down before the fury of your wrath: 8 They at whose racings forth the earth, like an age−weakened lord of men, 9 Strong is their birth: vigour have they to issue from their Mother; strength, 10 And these, the Sons, the Singers, in their racings have enlarged the bounds, 11 Before them, on the ways they go, they drop this offspring of the cloud, 12 O Maruts, as your strength is great, so have ye cast men down on earth, 13 The while the Maruts pass along, they talk together on the way: 14 Come quick with swift steeds, for ye have worshippers among Kanva's sons 15 All is prepared for your delight. We are their servants evermore,

2 They gleam with armlets as the heavens are decked with stars, like cloud−born lightnings shine the torre 3 They drip like horses in the racings of swift steeds; with the stream's rapid cars they hasten on their way 4 They have bestowed of Mitra all that live, to feed, they who for evermore cause their swift drops to flow 5 With brightly−flarning kine whose udders swell with milk, idth glittering lances on your unobstructed 6 To these our prayers, O Maruts, come unanimous, come ye to our libations like the praise of men. 7 Give us a steed, O Maruts migbty in the car; prevailing prayer that brings remembrance day by day; 8 When the bright−chested Maruts, lavish of their gifts, bind at the time bliss their horses to the cars, 9 Save us, O Maruts, Vasus, from the injurer, the mortal foe who makes us looked upon as wolves. 10 Well−known, ye Maruts, is that wondrous course of yours, when they milked Prsni's udder, close akin 11 We call youi such, great Maruts, following wonted ways, to the oblation paid to Visnu Speeder−on. 12 They, the Dasagvas, first of all brought sacrifice: they at the break of mornings shall inspirit us. Daw

2 The bowl made Indra swift to gather booty, the High, the Lofty, Youthful, Undecaying, 3 Stretch out those hands of thine, extend to us−ward thy wide capacious arms, and grant us glory. 4 Now, fain for strength, let us invite your Indra hither, who lieth hidden with his Heroes,− 5 With steadfast laws, wealth−giver, strong through Soma, he hath much fair and precious food to feed us 6 Bring unto us the mightiest might, O Hero, strong and most potent force, thou great Subduer! 7 Bring us, grown mighty in its strength, O Indra, thy friendly rapturous joy that wins the battle, 8 Indra, bestow on us the power heroic skilled and exceeding strong, that wins the booty, 9 Let thine heroic strength come from behind us, before us, from above us or below us. 10 With most heroic aid from thee, like heroes Indra, may we win wealth by deeds glory. 11 The Bull, whose strength hath waxed, whom Maruts follow, free−giving Indra, the Celestial Ruler, 12 Give up the people who are high and haughty to these men and to me, O Thunder−wielder! 13 Through these thy friendships, God invoked of many! may we be victors over every foeman.

2 Forth have they rushed from holding hands, like chariots that are urged to speed, 3 The Somas deck themselves with milk, as Kings are graced with eulogies, 4 Pressed for the gladdening draught, the drops flow forth abundantly with song, 5 Winning Vivasvan's glory and producing Morning's light, the Suns 6 The singing−men of ancient time open the doors of sacred songs,− 7 Combined in close society sit the seven priests, the brother−hood, 8 He gives us kinship with the Gods, and with the Sun unites our eye: 9 The Sun with his dear eye beholds that quarter of the heavens which priests 2 Together with thy pleasant juice the Atharvans have commingled milk, 3 Bring, by thy flowing, weal to kine, weal to the people, weal to steeds. 4 Sing a praise−song to Soma brown of hue, of independent might. 5 Purify Soma when effused with stones which bands move rapidly, 6 With humble homage draw ye nigh; blend the libation with the curds: 7 Soma, foe−que chief o'er men, doing the will of pour forth 8 Heart−knower, Sovran of the heart, thou art effused, O Soma, that Indra may drink thee and rejoice. 9 O Soma Pavamana, give us riches and heroic strength,−

2 As God comprising Gods by Law Eternal, bear, as the Chief who knoweth, our oblation, 3 When the cow's nectar wins the God completely, men here below are heaven's sustainers. 4 1 praise your work that ye may make me prosper: hear, Heaven and Earth, Twain Worlds that drop with 5 Hath the King siezed us? How have we offended against his holy ordinance? Who knoweth? 6 'Tis hard to understand the Immortal's nature, where she who is akin becomes astranger. 7 They in the synod where the Gods rejoice them, where they are seated in Vivasvan's dwelling, 8 The counsel which the Gods meet to consider, their secret plan,−of that we have no knowledge. 9 Hear us, O Agni, in your comninn dwell ing: harness thy rapid car, the car of Amrta. 2 When speeding ye came nigh us like twin sisters, religious−hearted votaries brought you forward. 3 Five paces have I risen from Earth. I follow her who hath four feet with devout observance. 4 He, for God's sake, chose death to be his portion. He chose not, for men's good, a life eternal 5 The Seven flow to the Youth on whom the Maruts wait: the Sons unto the Father brought the sacrifice.

2 This man, most diligent, seeking after riches, incessantly invokes you for your favour. 3 O Indra−Varuna, ours be this treasure ours be wealth, Maruts, with full store of heroes. 4 Be pleased! with our oblations, thou loved of all Gods, Brhaspati: 5 At sacrifices, with your hymns worship the pure Brhaspati− 6 The Bull of men, whom none deceive, the wearer of each shape at will, 7 Divine, resplendent Pusan, this our newest hymn of eulogy, 8 Accept with favour this my song, be gracious to the earnest thought, 9 May he who sees all living things, see, them together at a glancc,− 10 May we attain that excellent glory of Savitar the God: 11 With understanding, earnestly, of Savitar the God we crave 12 Men, singers worship Savitar the God with hymn and holy rites, 13 Soma who gives success goes forth, goes to the gathering place of Gods, 14 To us and to our cattle may Soma give salutary food, 15 May Soma, strengthening our power of life, and conquering our foes, 16 May Mitra−Varuna, sapient Pair, bedew our pasturage with oil, 17 Far−ruling, joyful when adored, ye reign through majesty of might, 18 Lauded by Jamadagni's song, sit in the place of holy Law:

2 Rise up, O Savitar whose hands are golden, and hear this man while sacrifice is offered, 3 Let Savitar the God he hymned with praises, to whom the Vasus, even, all sing glory. 4 Even he whom Aditi the Goddess praises, rejoicing in God Savitar's incitement: 5 They who come emulous to our oblation, dispensing bounty, from the earth and heaven. 6 This may the Lord of Life, entreated, grant us,−the wealth which Savitar the God possesses. 7 Bless us the Vajins when we call, while slowly they move, strong Singers, to the Gods' assembly. 8 Deep−skilled in Law eternal, deathless, Singers, O Vajins, help us in each fray for booty. 2 Soft to the tread, their sacred grass is scattered: these go like Kings amid the band around them, 3 Here on their path the noble Gods proceeded: in the wide firmament the Beauteous decked them. 4 For they are holy aids at sacrifices: all Gods approach the place of congregation. 5 Agni, to these men's hymns, from earth, from heaven, bring Mitra, Varuna, Indra, and Agni, 6 Even as the holy wish, the gift is offered: may he, unsated, come when men desire him. 7 Now have both worlds been praised by the Vasisthas; and holy Mitra, Varuna, and Agni.

2 Now let us pay this homage to the Fathers, to those who passed of old and those who followed, 3 1 have attained the gracious−minded Fathers, I have gained son and progeny from Visnu. 4 Fathers who sit on sacred grass, come, help us: these offerings have we made for you; accept them. 5 May they, the Fathers, worthy of the Soma, invited to their favourite oblations. 6 Bowing your bended knees and seated southward, accept this sacrifice of ours with favour. 7 Lapped in the bosom of the purple Mornings, give riches to the man who brings oblations. 8 Our ancient Fathers who deserve the Soma, who came, most noble, to our Soma banquet,− 9 Come to us, Agni, with the gracioug Fathers who dwell in glowing light, the very Kavyas, 10 Come, Agni, come with countless ancient Fathers, dwellers in light, primeval, God−adorers, 11 Fathers whom Agni's flames have tasted, come ye nigh: ye kindly leaders, take ye each your proper pla 12 Thou, Agni Jatavedas, when entreated, didst bear the offerings which thou madest fragrant, 13 Thou, Jatavedas, knowest well the number of Fathers who are here and who are absent, 14 They who, consumed by fire or not cremated, joy in their offering in the midst of heaven,−

4 Two arms−the Soma's dexterous immo. lators−and the ten fingers set and fix the press−stone. 5 The Soma hath been pressed for thee, its lover, to give thee power and might and high enjoyment. 6 Bring by God−traversed paths, accordant, Agni, the great Aramati, Celestial Lady, 7 As on his father's lap the son, the darling, so on the fire is set the sacred caldron, 8 Hither, as herald to invite the Asvins, come the great lofty song, most sweet and pleasant! 9 I have declared this speech of adoration to mightiest Pusan and victorious Vayu, 10 Invoked by us bring hither, jatavedas the Maruts all under their names and figures. 11 From high heaven may Sarasvati the Holy visit our sacrifice, and from the mountain. 12 Set in his seat the God whose back is dusky, Brhaspati the lofty, the Disposer. 13 May the Sustainer, high in heaven, come hither, the Bounteous One, invoked, with all his favours, 14 The tuneful eloquent priests of him who liveth have sought the Mother's bright and loftiest station. 15 Agni, great vital power is thine, the mighty: pairs waxing old in their devotion seek thee. 16 Gods, may we dwell in free untroubled bliss. 17 May we obtain the Asvins' newest favour, and gain their health−bestowing happy guidance.

2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, 3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man; 4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain: lifegiving, he hath climbed the wood, 5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and seeks 6 And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his, 7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work, 8 Entreated by Vivasvan's ten, Indra cast down the water−jar 9 Three times the newIy−kindled flame proceeds around the sacrifice: 10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above, 11 The pressing−stones are set at work: the meath is poured into the tank, 12 Ye cows, protect the fount: the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice. 13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth 14 These know their own abiding−place: like calves beside the mother cows 15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven, 16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in portions seven, 17 I took some Soma when the Sun rose up, O Mitra, Varuna. 18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well−beloved's home,

2 May the stone draw thee as it speaks, the Soma−stone with ringing voice. 3 The stones' rim shakes the Soma here like a wolf worrying a sheep. 4 The Kanvas call thee hitherward for succour and to win the spoil. 5 I set for thee, as for the Strong, the first draught of the juices shed. 6 Come with abundant blessings, come with perfect care to succour us. 7 Come, Lord of lofty thought, who hast infinite wealth and countless aids. 8 Adorable mid Gods, the Priest good to mankind shall bring thee near. 9 As wings the falcon, so thy Bays rushing in joy shall carry thee. 10 Come from the enemy to us, to svaha and the Soma−draught. 11 Come hither with thine car inclined to hear, take pleasure in our lauds. 12 Lord of well−nourished Horses, come with well−fed Steeds alike in hue. 13 Come hither from the mountains, come from regions of the sea of air. 14 Disclose to us O Hero, wealth in thousands both of kine and steeds. 15 Bring riches hitherward to us in hundreds, thousands, myriads. 16 The thousand steeds, the mightiest troop, which we and Indra have received 17 The brown that match the wind in speed, and bright bay coursers fleet of foot, 18 Mid the Pargvata's rich gifts, swift steeds whose wheels run rapidly,

2 Yama first found for us a place to dwell in: this pasture never can be taken from 3 Mitali prospers there with Kavyas, Yama with Angiras' sons, Brhaspati with Rkvans: 4 Come, seat thee on this bed of grass, O Yama, in company with Angirases and Fathers. 5 Come, Yama, with the Angirases the Holy, rejoice thee here with children of Virupa. 6 Our Fathers are Angirases, Navagvas, Atharvans, Bhrgus who deserve the Soma. 7 Go forth, go forth upon the ancient pathways whereon our sires of old have gone before us. 8 Meet Yama, meet the Fathers, meet the merit of free or ordered acts, in highest heaven. 9 Go hence, depart ye, fly in all directions: this place for him the Fathers have provided. 10 Run and outspeed the two dogs, Sarama's offspring, brindled, four−eyed, upon thy happy pathway. 11 And those two dogs of thine, Yama, the watchers, four−eyed, who look on men and guard the pathway 12 Dark−hued, insatiate, with distended nostrils, Yama's two envoys roam among the People; 13 To Yama pour the Soma, bring to Yama consecrated gifts: 14 Offer to Yama holy gifts enriched with butter, and draw near: 15 Offer to Yama, to the King, oblation very rich in meath: 16 Into the six Expanses flies the Great One in Trkadru

2 From mortal men they hid the Immortal Lady, made one like her and gave her to Vivasvan. 3 Guard of the world, whose cattle ne'er are injured, may Pusan bear thee hence, for he hath knowledge. 4 May Ayu, giver of all life, protect thee, and bear thee forward on the distant pathway. 5 Pusan knows all these realms: may he conduct us by ways that are most free from fear and danger. 6 Pusan was born to move on distant pathways, on the road far from earth and far from heaven. 7 The pious call Sarasvati, they worship Sarasvati while sacrifice proceedeth. 8 Sarasvati, who camest with the Fathers, with them rejoicing thee in our oblations, 9 Thou, called on as Sarasvati by Fathers who come right forward to our solemn service, 10 The Mother Floods shall make us bright and shining, cleansers of holy oil, with oil shall cleanse us: 11 Through days of earliest date the Drop descended on this place and on that which was before it. 12 The Drop that falls, thy stalk which arms have shaken, which from the bosom of the press hath fallen, 13 That fallen Drop of thine, the stalk which from the ladle fell away, 14 The plants of earth are rich in milk, and rich in milk is this my speech;

2 In each succeeding sacrifice that mortal honoureth the Gods, 3 Ye who are Rulers over all, great is your sovran power as Gods. 4 These are the joyous Kings of Immortality, Parijman, Mitra, Aryaman, and Varuna. 5 Come also to our dwelling, Lords of ample wealth, common partakers of our waters, Sun and Moon, 6 And let the Asvins, Lords of splendour, set us free,− both Gods, and, with their Laws, Mitra and Varuna 7 Yea, let the Asvins Twain he gracious unto us, even Rudras, and all Gods, Bhaga, Rathaspati; 8 Prompt is Rbhuksan, prompt the worshipper's strong drink: may thy fleet Bay Steeds, thine who sperdes 9 O God Savitar, harmed by none, lauded, give us a place among wealthy princes. 10 To these men present here, O Heaven and Earth, to us grant lofty fame extending over all mankind. 11 This speaker, Indra−for thou art our Friend−wherever he may be, guard thou, Victor! for help, ever for 12 So have they strengthened this mine hymn which seems to take its bright path to the Sun, and reconcil 13 Whose chariot−seat hath come again laden with wealth and bright with gold, 14 This to Duhsima Prthavana have I sung, to Vena, Rama, to the nobles, and the King. 15 Besides, they showed us seven −and−seventy horses here.

2 I have beheld his strong and secret dwelling, longing have sought the Founder's habitation. 3 We will tell, Indra, when we pour libation, what mighty deeds thou hast performed to please us. 4 Indra, when born, thou madest firm thy spirit: alone thou seekest war to fight with many. 5 When thou wast born supremest at a distance, bearing a name renowned in far−off regions, 6 These blissful Maruts sing their psalm to praise thee, and pour to thee libation of the Soma. 7 Thou, Maghavan, from the first didst scatter foemen, speeding, while joying in the milk, the Giver. 8 Pounding the head of Namuci the Dasa, me, too thou madest thine associate, Indra! 9 Women for weapons hath the Dasa taken, What injury can his feeble armies To me? 10 Divided from their calves the Cows went lowing around, on every side, hither and thither. 11 What time the Somas mixed by Babhru cheered him, loud the Steer bellowed in his habitations. 12 This good deed have the Rusamas done, Agni! that they have granted me four thousand cattle. 13 The Rusamas, O Agni, sent me homeward with fair adornment and with kine in thousands. 14 Night, well−nigh ended, at Rnancaya's coming, King of the Rusamas, was changed to morning. 15 We have received four thousand head of cattle presented by the Rusamas, O Agni.

2 Visit, to prove us free from sin, O Surya Lord of great might, the bright Gods sprung from Daksa, 3 And, O ye Heaven and Earth, a wide dominion, O ye most blissful Worlds, our lofty shelter, 4 This day invited may the Sons of Rudra, resistless, excellent, stoop down to meet us; 5 To whom the Goddess Rodasi clings closely, whom Pusan follows bringing ample bounty. 6 With a new hymn extol, O thou who singest, the Lover of the Song, the Hero Indra. 7 Give full protection, Friends of man, ye Waters, in peace and trouble, to our sons and grandsons. 8 May Savitar come hither and approach us, the God who rescues, Holy, goldenhanded, 9 And thou, O Son of Strength, do thou turn hither the Gods to−day to this our holy service. 10 Come also to my call, O ye Nasatyas, yea, verily, through my prayers, ye Holy Sages. 11 O Gods, bestow upon us riches, splendid with strength and heroes, bringing food in plenty. 12 May Rudra and Sarasvati, accordant, Visnu and Vayu, pour down gifts and bless us; 13 May this God Savitar, the Lord, the Offspring of Waters, pouring down his dew be gracious, 14 May Aja−Ekapad and Ahibudhnya, and Earth and Ocean hear our invocation; 15 So with my thoughts and hymns of praise the children of Bharadvaja sing aloud to please you.

2 Thou makest food and vigour swell for Indra, best of gladdeners! 3 For Indra and for Visnu poured, Soma hath flowed into the jar: 4 These Somas swift and brown of hue, in stream of solemn sacrifice 5 Performing every noble work, active, augmenting Indra's strength, 6 Brown Soma−drops, effused that seek Indra, to their appropriate place 7 Flow onward with that stream of thine wherewith thou gavest Surya light, 8 He, Pavamana, high o'er man yoked the Sun's courser Etasa 9 And those ten Coursers, tawny−hued, he harnessed that the Sun might come 10 Hence, singers, pour the gladdeningjuice to Vayu and to Indra, pour 11 O Soma Pavamana, find wealth for us not to be assailed, 12 Send riches hither with thy stream in thousands, both of steeds and kine, 13 Soma the God, expressed with stones, like Surya, floweth on his way, 14 These brilliant drops have poured for us, in stream of solemn sacrifice, 15 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Somas, blent with curdled milk, 16 Soma, do thou most rich in sweets, a gladdening drink most dear to Gods, 17 For Indra, living men adorn the Tawny Courser in the streams, Indu, the giver of delight. 18 Pour for us, Soma, wealth in gold, in horses and heroic sons, 19 For Indra pour ye on the fleece him very sweet to taste, who longs.

1 I GLORIFY that Ram who finds the light of heaven, whose hundred nobly−natured ones go forth with h 2 Like as a mountain on firm basis, unremoved, he, thousandfold protector, waxed in mighty strength, Wh 5 To him, as in wild joy he fought with him who stayed the rain, his helpers sped like swift streams down 6 Splendour encompassed thee, forth shone thy warrior might: the rain−obstructer lay in mid−air's lowest 7 The hymns which magnify thee, Indra, reach to thee even as water−brooks flow down and fill the lake. 8 When, Indra, thou whose power is linked with thy Bay Steeds hadst smitten Vrtra, causing floods to flo 9 In fear they raised the lofty self−resplendent hymn, praise giving and effectual, leading up to heaven, 10 Then Heaven himself, the mighty, at that Dragon's roar reeled back in terror when, Indra, thy thunderb 11 O Indra, were this earth extended forth tenfold, and men who dwell therein multiplied day by day, 12 Thou, bold of heart, in thine own native might, for help, upon the limit of this mid−air and of heaven, 13 Thou art the counterpart of earth, the Master of lofty heaven with all its mighty Heroes: 14 Whose amplitude the heaven and earth have not attained, whose bounds the waters of mid−air have ne 15 The Maruts sang thy praise in this encounter, and in thee all the Deities delighted,

2 What time the Maruts sang their song to Indra, joyous when he had drunk of Soma juices, 3 And, O ye Brahmans, Maruts, so may Indra drink draughts of this my carefully pressed Sorna; 4 Then heaven and earth he sundered and supported: wrapped even in these he struck the Beast with terror 5 Thus all the Gods, O Maghavan, delivered to thee of their free will the draught of Soma; 6 When Maghavan with the thunderbolt demolished his nine−and−ninety castles all together, 7 As friend to aid a friend, Agni dressed quickly three hundred buffaloes, even as he willed it. 8 When thou three hundred buffaloes' flesh hadst eaten, and drunk, as Maghavan, three lakes of Soma, 9 What time ye came with strong steeds swiftly speeding, O Usana and Indra, to the dwelling, 10 One car−wheel of the Sun thou rolledst forward, and one thou settest free to move for Kutsa. 11 The lauds of Gauriviti made thee mighty to Vidathin's son, as prey, thou gavest Pipru. 12 Navagvas and Dasgvas with libations of Soma juice sing hymns of praise to Indra. 13 How shall I serve thee, Maghavan, though knowing full well what hero deeds thou hast accomplished? 14 Resistless from of old through hero courage, thou hast done all these many acts, O Indra. 15 Indra, accept the prayers which now are offered, accept the new prayers, Mightiest! which we utter.

3 Thou, thou alone, hast tamed the Dasyus; singly thou hast subdued the people for the Arya. 4 For true, I deem, thy strength is, thine the Mighty, thine, O Most Potent, thine the Conquering Victor; 5 Be this our ancient bond of friendship with you and with Angirases here who speak of Vala. 6 With holy thoughts must he be called, the Mighty, showing his power in the great fight with Vrtra. 7 He in his might, with name that lives for ever, hath far surpassed all human generations. 8 Stranger to guile, who ne'er was false or faithless, bearing a name that may be well remembered, 9 With saving might that must be praised and lauded, Indra, ascend thy car to smite down Vrtra. 10 As Agni, as the dart burns the dry forest, like the dread shaft burn down the fiends, O Indra; 11 With wealth, by thousand paths come hither, Agni, paths that bring ample strength, O thou Most Splen 12 From heaven, from earth is bruited forth the greatness of him the firm, the fiery, the resplendent. 13 This day the deed that thou hast done is famous, when thou, for him, with many thousand others 14 In thee, O God, the wisest of the Sages, all Gods were joyful when thou slewest Ahi. 15 This power of thine both heaven and earth acknowledge, the deathless Gods acknowledge it, O Indra.

2 Great in tby power and wisdom, Strong, with thought that comprehendeth all 3 Thou very Mighty One, whose hands by virtue of thy greatness grasp, 4 Your Lord of might that ne'er hath bent, that ruleth over all mankind, 5 Whom, ever furthering, in frays that win the light, in both the hosts 6 Indra, the Strong, the measureless, worthy of praise, Most Bountiful, 7 Him, for his ample bounty, him, this Indra do I urge to drink, 8 Thou Mighty One, whose friendship none of mortals ever hath obtained 9 Aided by thee, with thee allied, in frays for water and for sun, 10 So seek we thee with sacrifice and songs, chief Lover of the Song, 11 O Thunderer, thou whose friendship and whose onward guidance both are sweet, 12 To us, ourselves, give ample room, give for our dwelling ample room 13 We count the banquet of the Gods a spacious pathway for the men, 14 Six men, yea, two and two, made glad with Soma juice, come near to me 15 Two brown−hued steeds, Indrota's gift, two bays from Rksa's son were mine, 16 From Atithigva good car−steeds; from Arksa rein−obeying steeds, 17 Indrota, Atithigva's son, gave me six horses matched with mares 18 Marked above all, amid the brown, is the red mare Vrsanvati, 19 O bound to me by deeds of might, not even the man who loves to blame.

2 Thou, of whom having drunk the Steer acts like a steer. drinking of this that finds the light, 3 For, verily, Pavamana, thou bast, splendidest, called all the generations of 4 By whom Dadhyac Navagva opens fastened doors, by whom the sages gained their wish, 5 Effused, he floweth in a stream, best rapture−giver, in the long wool of the sheep, 6 He who from out the rocky cavern took with might the redmrefulgent watery Cows, 7 Press ye and pour him, like a steed, laudworthy, speeding through the region and the flood, 8 Increaser of the water, Steer with thousand streams, dear to the race of Deities; 9 Make splendid glory shine on us, thou Lord of strengthening food, God, as the Friend of Gods: 10 Roll onward to the bowls, O Mighty One, effused, as Prince supporter of the tribes. 11 They have drained him the Steer of heaven, him with a thousand streams, distilling rapturous joy, 12 The Mighty One was born Immortal, giving life, lightening darkness with his shine. 13 Effused is he who brings good things, who brings us bounteous gifts and sweet refreshing food, 14 He whom our Indra and the Marut host shall drink, Bhaga shall drink with Aryarnan, 15 Soma, for Indra's drink do thou, led by the men, well−wcaponcd and most gladdening, 16 Enter the Soma−holder, even Indra's heart, as rivers pass into the sea,

2 The richly−coloured Dawns have mounted eastward, like pillars planted at our sacrifices, 3 Dispelling gloom this day the wealthy Mornings urge liberal givers to present their treasures. 4 O Goddesses, is this your car, I ask you, ancient this day, or is it new, ye Mornings, 5 With horses harnessed by eternal Order, Goddesses, swiftly round the worlds ye travel, 6 Which among these is eldest, and where is she through whom they fixed the Rbhus' regulations? 7 Blest were these Dawns of old, shining with succour, true with the truth that springs from holy Order; 8 Hither from eastward all at once they travel, from one place spreading in the selfsame manner. 9 Thus they go forth with undiminished colours, these Mornings similar, in self−same fashion, 10 O Goddesses, O Heaven's refulgent Daughters, bestow upon us wealth with store of children. 11 Well−skilled in lore of sacrifice, ye Daughters of Heaven, refulgent Dawns, I thus address you. 2 Unfailing, Mother of the Kine, in colour like a bright red mare, 3 Yea, and thou art the Asvins' Friend, the Mother of the Kine art thou: 4 Thinking of thee, O joyous One, as her who driveth hate away, 5 Our eyes behold thy blessed rays like troops of cattle loosed to feed. 6 When thou hast filled it, Fulgent One! thou layest bare the gloom with light. 7 Thou overspreadest heaven with rays, the dear wide region of mid−air.

2 Drink it thou God who art impetuous victor, Lord of our hymns, with beauteousjaws, the Hero, 3 Drink as of old, and let the draught delight thee. hear thou our prayer and let our songs exalt thee. 4 These gladdening drops, O Indra, Self−sustainer, quaffed shall augment thee in thy mighty splendour. 5 Gladdened whereby, bursting the firm enclosures, thou gavest splendour to the Sun and Morning. 6 Thou with thy wisdom, power, and works of wonder, hast stored the ripe milk in the raw cows' udders 7 Thou hast spread out wide earth, a mighty marvel, and, high thyself, propped lofty heaven, O Indra. 8 Yea, Indra, all the Deities installed thee their one strong Champion in the van for battle. 9 Yea, e'en that heaven itself of old bent backward before thy bolt, in terror of its anger, 10 Yea, Strong One! Tvastar turned for thee, the Mighty, the bolt with thousand spikes and hundred edges 11 He dressed a hundred buffaloes, O Indra, for thee whom all accordant Maruts strengthen. 12 Thou settest free the rushing wave of waters, the floods' great swell encompassed and obstructed. 13 So may our new prayer bring thee to protect us, thee well−armed Hero with thy bolt of thunder, 14 So, Indra, form us brilliant holy singers for strength, for glory, and for food and riches. 15 With this may we obtain strength God−appointed, and brave sons gladden us through a hundred winter

27 For so much bliss, or even more, O Asvins, Wealthy Gods, than this, 28 Ascend your car with golden seat, O Asvins, and with reins of gold, 29 Golden is its supporting shaft, the axle also is of gold, 30 Thereon, ye Lords of ample wealth, come to us even from afar, 31 From far away ye come to us, Asvins, enjoying plenteous food 32 With splendour, riches, and renown, O Asvins, hither come to us, 33 May dappled horses, steeds who fly with pinions, bring you hitherward 34 The whcel delayeth not that car of yours accompanied by song, 35 Borne on that chariot wrought of gold, with coursers very fleet of foot, 36 O Wealthy Gods, ye taste and find the brisk and watchful wild beast good. 37 As such, O Asvins, find for me my share of new−presented gifts, 38 He who hath given me for mine own ten Kings like gold to look upon. 39 No man, not any, goes upon the path on which the Cedis walk. 2 When the priests, strengthening the Son of Holy Law, present their gifts, 3 Since Kanvas with their lauds have made Indra complete the sacrifice. 4 Before his hot displeasure all the peoples, all the men, bow down, 5 This power of his shone brightly forth when Indra brought together, like 6 The fiercely−moving Vrtra's head he severed with his thunderbolt, 7 Here are−we sing them loudly forth−our thoughts among−the best of songs.

1 In the great synod will I laud thy two Bay Steeds: I prize the sweet strong drink of thee the Warrior−Go 2 Ye who in concert sing unto the goldhued place, like Bay Steeds driving onward to the heavenly seat, 3 His is that thunderbolt, of iron, goldenhued, gold−coloured, very dear, and yellow in his arms; 4 As if a lovely ray were laid upon the sky, the golden thunderbolt spread out as in a race. 5 Thou, thou, when praised by men who sacrificed of old. hadst pleasure in their lauds, O Indra 6 These two dear Bays bring hither Indra on his car, Thunder−armed, joyous, meet for laud, to drink his fi 7 Tle gold−hued drops have flowed to gratify his wish: the yellow dro s have urged the swift Bays to the 8 At the swift draught the Soma−drinker waxed in might, the Iron One with yellow beard and yellow hair. 9 His yellow−coloured jaws, like ladles move apart, what time, for strength, he makes the yellow−tinted s 10 Yea, to the Dear One's seat in homes of heaven and earth the Bay Steeds' Lord hath whinnied like a ho 11 Thou, comprehending with thy might the earth and heaven, acceptest the dear hymn for ever new and 12 O Indra, let the eager wishes of the folk bring thee, delightful, golden−visored, on thy car, 13 Juices aforetime, Lord of Bays, thou drankest; and thine especially is this libation.

2 Men, Vasu! by the Soma, with lauds call thee to the foremost place: 3 Boldly, Bold Hero, bring us spoil in thousands for the Kanvas' sake. 4 Medhyatithi, to Indra sing, drink of the juice to make thee glad. 5 He Who is praised as strong of hand both right and left, most wise and hold: 6 The bold of heart whom none provokes, who stands in bearded confidence; 7 Who knows what vital ower he wins, drinking beside the flowing juice? 8 As a wild elephant rushes on this way and that way, mad with heat,' 9 When he, the Mighty, ne'er o'erthrown, steadfast, made ready for the fight, 10 Yea, verily, thou art a Bull, with a bull's rush. whom none may stay: 11 Thy reins are very bulls in strength, bulls' strength is in thy golden whip. 12 Let the strong presser press for thee. Bring hither, thou straight−rushing Bull. 13 Come, thou most potent Indra, come to drink the savoury Soma juice. 14 When thou hast mounted on thy car let thy yoked Bay Steeds carry thee, 15 O thou Most Lofty One, accept our laud as nearest to thine heart. 16 Neither in thy decree nor mine, but in another's he delights,− 17 Indra himself hath said, The mind of woman brooks not discipline, 18 His pair of horses, rushing on in their wild transport, draw his car: 19 Cast down thine eyes and look not up. More closely set thy feet. Let none